Overview
The Independent Indiana Cavalry Company (One Year’s Service) was organized in Crawford County, Indiana, in July 1863 as a volunteer cavalry unit for the Union Army. The company was mustered into service on August 13, 1863, for a term of one year, with the men furnishing their own horses. It served primarily in Indiana, performing duties related to internal security and border defense during the latter part of the Civil War.
This unit operated independently rather than as part of a larger Indiana cavalry regiment. Its service was notable for its focus on supporting the provost-marshal, enforcing the draft, and protecting the state’s southern border from Confederate raids and guerrilla activity.
Organization & Service
The Independent Indiana Cavalry Company was organized in Crawford County in July 1863 under the command of Captain Charles L. Lamb. The company was accepted for special service for one year, and the men’s horses were officially received into government service. The company was mustered in on August 13, 1863.
Throughout the fall and winter of 1863, the company was engaged in assisting the provost-marshal of the district with the arrest of deserters, enforcement of the draft, and guarding the river border of Indiana against incursions by enemy cavalry and guerrilla forces. In January 1864, authority was granted for members of the company to reenlist for three years’ service. A significant portion of the men reenlisted and were transferred into the 13th Indiana Cavalry. The company was mustered out of service in January 1864. The total strength of the company was 104 men.
Research This Regiment Further
If you’d like to explore this unit’s history in more depth, regimental histories and Civil War reference works offer valuable detail.
Engagements & Campaigns
- Assisted provost-marshal in arresting deserters (Fall–Winter 1863)
- Enforced the draft in Indiana (Fall–Winter 1863)
- Guarded the river border of Indiana against enemy cavalry and guerrillas (Fall–Winter 1863)
Casualties
- Loss by death: 2
Field Officers & Commanders
- Captain Charles L. Lamb
Regimental Roster
The complete roster of the Independent Indiana Cavalry Company (One Year’s Service) is available for genealogical and historical research. This roster includes the names and service details of all enlisted men and officers who served in the company during its term of service.
To view the full roster, visit the Independent Indiana Cavalry Company (One Year’s Service) Roster page.
Sources & References
- The Union Army, Vol. 3 (Federal Publishing Company, 1908), Independent Indiana Cavalry Company
- Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
- Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies
- Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion